Seahawks Rookie Sets High Expectations After Signing Rookie Contract

The Seattle Seahawks have big shoes to fill at running back after losing Kenneth Walker III to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency.

Running the ball and defense were at the heart of the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run in February. Seattle had a formidable one-two punch with Walker and Zach Charbonnet in the regular season, but Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL against the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round and is expected to miss the beginning of the season.

The pressure will be on Jadarian Price to make an impact in the running game immediately. The No. 23 pick in April’s draft signed his contract on Friday. He wants to score “a lot of touchdowns” in the upcoming season.

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“I’m looking to bring a lot of explosive plays, a lot of touchdowns, a lot of yards, but also just showing the love for the game and love for my teammates,” Price said, via the Seahawks.

Walker did plenty of scoring last season, recording 10 touchdowns in the regular season before adding four more in the postseason. He won Super Bowl MVP after rushing for 135 yards on 27 carries.

Price had solid production during his final season at Notre Dame, rushing for 674 yards and 11 touchdowns. His numbers would have been higher had he not been on the same roster with Jeremiyah Love, who had a Heisman Trophy campaign last season before being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals with the No. 3 pick.

Price understands the expectations in Seattle are high after winning the Super Bowl. He’s learning what he can from the players that remained from that team.

“It’s been great being able to watch and learn how Super Bowl champions do it, how veterans do it in their day-to-day process, but also the willingness from the veterans to give tips to the rookies on how they do things,” Price said. “Guys like Zach Charbonnet and George Holani, those guys in my room, specifically have been tremendous to me. It’s been a great journey.”

Price was the No. 2 running back at Notre Dame, so the pressure is on the rookie running back to be the focus of an offense that will need him to have high production beginning in Week 1.

Eventually, Charbonnet will return to share some of the load, but quarterback Sam Darnold will need a robust run game to keep the defense honest to boost the passing game.

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This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 7:29 PM.